Taxidermist Don Mathis died today at his home in Jonesboro, Georgia. Don was an award-winning taxidermist, having won National Champion honors with whitetail deer in the 1980s, as well as blue ribbons with fish in the highest levels of competition. Don's techniques were featured in "The Breakthrough Whitetail Taxidermy Manual", which had one of his shoulder mounts pictured on the cover. He also taught taxidermy through workshops to dozens of students.
Don had finished changing a tire and was putting the jack back in his truck when he accidentally discharged a .22 pistol which was in the pocket of a jacket behind the seat.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Don's family, friends, and students.
My heart goes out to the mathis family, both close and extended. We have truly lost a great individual. My prayers go out. God bless
For once, I dont know what to say. Mr Mathis was someone whom I admired as I thumbed through those old magazines, as well as the Breakthrough/WASCO manual. I hope Don could know that he inspired me, way back on the trail. My condolences...
I want to send out sympathy to the family and all of the people who knew this individual. I didn't know him and never heard of him, but I have only been reading about taxidermy for a few months now thanks to a friend that is one. This is such a sad story and it really choked me up. So to everyone that knew him, God bless you.
I am leaving for an elk trip in the Am and now I leave with a heavy heart. A true Southern Gentleman and one heck of a talented ARTIST. I will send out a prayer for the family and a lone arrow deep into the Bitterroot Mountains as a memorium to one of our "brothers". My heart is heavy for the family.
Dave
I remember Don from the shows in the 80s. He was a excellent deer taxidermist and a great person. We had him up to Pittsburg,New Hampshire hunting Bear. First time he was that far North. He fit right in with the locals. I was just thinking the other day i have to call him and see how things are going, i guess i should have called.
My sympathys to his family and friends. To his students, enter a deer in your next show for Don.The Georiga Association now needs a Don Mathis Award for the classiest whitetail in the show, to honor a great guy.
very sad to hear about this terrible accident.
With much respect, rest in peace Mr. Mathis....
I too am sorry for this accident. I learned from his articles and his deer mounting in the Breakthrough. My prayers go to his family.
Charles Gossett
My condolences go out to Don's family. His death was a tragic loss to the taxidermy industry. His accomplishments will always be remembered.
Nick B. (CA)
"duckYoda"
My sympathy goes out to you. He is a great man. This was a tragic accident and there are no two ways about it.
I saw photos of Don in Breakthrough in the eighties, and his prescense there was enough to think great things about him and remember his name and who he was without meeting him. I remember seeing a picture of him with a group of bass he had just finished, and remember thinking, "Wow, that's a lot of bass. They all look the same! But boy, do they all look GOOD!"
I am saddened to hear of his family's loss and the loss to the taxidermy profession. My heart hangs heavy for all involved, and wish strength to his loved ones.